Kay's Korner - A Knitters Notes

I always enjoy checking out the statistics from Kay's Korner - which articles are read the most, the searches that lead knitters to the posts, and of course, the comments. Most every month, a large percentage of these are from knitters wanting more info about hand knits for men. I do love knitting for all the men in my life and my son, Luke, is both a yarn shop owner and knitter, so I try to stay well versed on the subject. As many men enjoy wearing hand knits, from chunky sweaters to snappy hats, it was easy to get feedback to the question, "what hand knits do men like best"?

Although in the U.S., knitting is considered primarily a womanly pursuit, the number of men knitters is steadily growing, as men recognize more the creative, productive, and calming attributes of the craft. Historically, men were the first knitters, fashioning fishing nets from twine. Men have had careers in mill work for centuries. In modern times, men enjoy knitting masculine hats, scarves and sweaters as a hobby, often to add to their own wardrobes.

When I posed the question of what to knit for men to the women, many mentioned the stigma attached to the "boyfriend sweater", along with other projects knitted for a loved one who seems less committed in a relationship. I suppose my view on this is skewed, as I knit a handsome, cable yoke, wool sweater for my husband, just months before he proposed. He tells everyone how he recognized my commitment to him through that first sweater. It was a part of what he considered when deciding that I was the right gal for him. Thirty years later, we are still together and I am still knitting for him. He often sports hats and scarves from my needles and in fact, one of the first patterns I designed was a cabled scarf for him in a luscious, lofty, alpaca/silk yarn of a lovely gray. Bill's current favorites are hand knit socks and I am determined to fill his sock drawer with my lovingly knit tootsie warmers. That first sweater hangs on a wall in Rare Purls Yarn Boutique, a testament to both the longevity of our relationship and the durable good looks of a fine wool.

Whether it is a mother, brother, lover, room mate, sister, or friend, knitters want to know how their men will react to their hand knit gift. They often ask for suggestions and advice, wanting their project to not only convey affection, but to be worn as well, not stashed away in a closet. Bottom line, I think everyone loves it when someone takes the time to knit a garment or accessory for them. It makes no difference whether the gift took 2 weeks or 20, a hand knit gift speaks volumes about a relationship.

So what are the most popular hand knit projects for men? I took my own survey of family and friends and there was no surprise at their #1 answer - socks! Whether worn with tennis shoes, loafers, or Birkenstocks, men love soft, warm socks and though most women I spoke to claimed their men only wanted the dark, solid variety, most men said they enjoyed the opportunity to flash a fancier ankle. Just as some men love brightly patterned neck ties, some men also like interesting texture and colorways in their socks. People in general are inspired by color and patterns, so it certainly follows that men enjoy them, too.

Of course afghans are also a popular gift knit for men. I knit a sweetheart a throw for Christmas my last year of high school and I am sure it has lasted far longer than our relationship. The friend who introduced me to my husband proudly displays a throw from an old flame in his living room and takes good care of the piece all these years later. Several years ago, I had my older son, Will, choose yarns for a throw. Following his conservative choices of color in apparel, he chose many shades of blue with black for the chevron striped project. He truly liked the idea of his Mum knitting something just for him. To this day, my guys' favorite covers are two oversize throws that are super soft and comfy. The basketweave stitch blankets stay parked at various sofas, ready to warm a late night of movies or a nap.

Naturally, when the weather turns cool, many men love a knit hat to warm them. I truly hope that one day, snappy knit hats will stamp out ball caps, though that is probably a pipe dream. A matching scarf completes the ensemble, though I have noticed most men do not trouble with matching anything. Currently, I am putting the final rows on a merino/silk scarf in linen stitch for our Rare Purls' landlord and I know it will look grand with his upscale wardrobe. Yes, hats and scarves are certainly gifts welcomed by men and the favorite projects of novice male knitters. The general response to my survey was to forget the fringe and make sure of a generous size. Three inch scarves that are eighty inches long are not the choice of the men I surveyed. Think practically - a cozy six by sixty inch scarf is great for the South, but adding a few inches to the width will better break the wind in more harsh climes. For snow sports, earflap hats and ski masks are most welcome and consider using the more insulating fibers such as alpaca or wool. Men also appreciate functionality, so a superwash wool or other washable yarn is always a good choice.

My current project, destined for my hubby's chest of drawers, is a teal and sea green button up vest, a basic pattern from Lion Brand. I am using Rustic Wool, a self striping, superwash wool yarn from Queensland Collection. The DK yarn is knitting to the perfect weight for our Georgia weather and I am only a couple seams and a front band away from completing this project. Bill chose the vivid colorway, a choice I certainly would not have made for him, but he loves it. Vests are a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Choose pullover or button up, they both are great for layering. Is your fellow a jeans kind of guy? A vest slips on easily for a cold night. If you man is more GQ, Whit, a Straker design, is a classic cabled vest that will warm both his body and heart. If you really want to make it special, go for cashmere, super fine merino, or alpaca, spun solo or in a blend. Do not forget to make the buttons count, as well. Wooden or plastic buttons give a more casual effect, where pewter or brass are more lasting and showy.

Other welcome hand knits for men range from beer cozies to floor mats. Consider the man and his lifestyle, then choose a project to please. Where I cannot think of a single man who would welcome a lace doily or smoke ring cowl, I know of several who would appreciate a felted dog collar and leash. Last year Luke knit a flask cover for his friend, Chef Eric, and the nouvelle cuisine afficianado found it both clever and individual. For years I have thought my older son might enjoy a felted laptop carrier, custom sized for his Macbook. Whether you choose the tried and true or think outside the box, knitting for the man in your life can be interesting knitting and who knows, he might just knit you something back.